Ireland’s four prestigious provincial schools rugby finals culminated in a dramatic crescendo of grit, flair, and emotion, as Blackrock College, Christian Brothers College, Wallace High School, and Marist College each etched their names into history in their respective provinces. Here’s a recap of the 2025 Schools Senior Cup Finals that captivated a nation.
Leinster: Blackrock’s Grit Sees Off Brave Terenure Challenge
Blackrock College 14–9 Terenure College
Venue: Tallaght Stadium
Click here for a historical overview of the Leinster Schools Cup
Blackrock College retained their Leinster Schools Senior Cup title in a bruising, high-octane battle against a relentless Terenure College. In what was arguably the most physical contest of the tournament, Blackrock’s famed maul delivered early dividends through hooker Harry O’Neill. Yet, Terenure’s defensive steel and kicking accuracy from Gareth Morgan saw them enter halftime with a narrow 6–5 lead.
As the second half unfolded, it was discipline and territory that turned the tide. Out-half Paddy Clancy kept the scoreboard ticking with a trio of penalties, while Blackrock’s tireless back row—Michael Walsh, Michael O’Sullivan, and Brian Walsh—shut the door with fierce tackling and breakdown dominance.
Despite late pressure and a final flourish from Terenure, Blackrock’s composure held firm. Their 72nd title was hard-earned and well-deserved, symbolizing the unbreakable tradition and quality that defines this rugby powerhouse.
Munster: CBC Stun PBC in Second-Half Comeback
Christian Brothers College 17–10 Presentation Brothers College
Venue: Virgin Media Park
Click here for a historical overview of the Munster Schools Cup
The Munster final served up another classic in the storied CBC–PBC rivalry. PBC raced to a 10–0 halftime lead thanks to Bobby O’Callaghan’s try and the reliable boot of Daniel Murphy. But the second half belonged to CBC and their inspirational captain, Charlie O’Shea.
O’Shea ignited the comeback with a converted try, then added the extras after Leo O’Leary’s decisive score. With minutes to go, O’Shea sealed it with a penalty, completing a 17–10 comeback that saw CBC draw level with PBC on 32 titles each. For Christians, it was a performance built on belief, resilience, and a captain’s cool head in the clutch.
Ulster: Wallace Finally Claim Elusive Glory
Wallace High School 24–15 Royal School Armagh
Venue: Kingspan Stadium
Click here for a historical overview of the Ulster Schools Cup
Wallace High School’s long wait for Ulster Schools Cup glory came to a glorious end with a spirited win over Royal School Armagh. It was a pulsating clash between two determined sides, but Wallace’s power up front and clinical edge proved too much for the reigning champions.
Rio McDonagh bagged a brace of tries, while hooker James Gould and centre Luke Dillon also crossed. Armagh never gave up, with Cameron Cummings and Thomas Dougan both dotting down, but Wallace’s dominance in the set-piece and relentless ball-carrying proved decisive.
With a final whistle that released years of near-misses and heartbreak, Wallace were crowned Ulster kings, their 24–15 triumph marking a watershed moment in the school’s rugby history.
Connacht: Marist’s Last-Minute Magic Ends Sligo’s Reign
Marist College 33–29 Sligo Grammar School
Venue: Ballina RFC
Click here for a historical overview of the Connacht Schools Cup
In what was arguably the most exhilarating final of the lot, Marist College ended Sligo Grammar School’s three-year reign with a heart-stopping try in the dying moments of the Connacht Schools Cup final. It was a back-and-forth encounter played at blistering pace, with both teams trading tries and leads.
Thomas Cotton and Andrew Henson each scored twice for Marist, while Kyle Mahon added another in a first-half that saw the Athlone side explode into a 12-point lead. But Sligo came storming back through the brute strength of Cathal Moffatt and Diarmaid O’Connell, clawing their way to a 29–26 advantage with just five minutes left.
Then came the moment of magic—Cotton broke two tackles down the wing and offloaded to Henson for the match-winning try under the posts. The 33–29 victory crowned Marist champions for the first time in 12 years, in a game that will be talked about for generations.
